Epidemiological considerations of the present status and future growth of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome epidemic in South Africa
Schoub, B.D.; Smith, A.N.; Lyons, S.F.; Johnson, S.; Martin, D.J.; McGillivray, G.; Padayachee, G.N.; Naidoo, S.; Fisher, E.L.; Hurwitz, H.S.
South African Medical Journal 74(4): 153-157
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 3406871 Document Number: 361058
The authors review the existing limited epidemiological data available on AIDS and HIV infection in South Africa. They distinguish 4 epidemics in different subgroups of population: in homosexual men, in haemophiliacs and the polytransfused, in intravenous drug users (IVDU), and in the heterosexual population. Reserves are expressed about the extent to which the available data can be interpreted. For example, the authors mention the gross underestimation that is likely to occur in routine data on AIDS cases. However, on the basis of routine data among blood donors and of data reported from a prevalence study among those attending sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics, the authors conclude forcefully that the heterosexual epidemic will constitute the major growth in South Africa. General considerations are made about the promotion of early education, and the control of prostitution and STDs.T.E. Mertens.